A presentation of student research

It is important to take prospect of the potential environmental hazards of new renewable energies. Wave, tidal, and current energies all have an impact on the surrounding environment. Chemicals on and incorporated within offshore renewable energy devices (OREDs) can leech into the surrounding environment altering naturally occurring chemical concentrations. Ocean organisms are susceptible to these changes in chemical concentrations, which in some cases can be toxic.

Chemicals that are introduced to the environment on or within renewable systems include: chemicals and paints applied to the surfaces of structures, and the leeching of internal fluids. Induced changes in chemical concentrations in surrounding waters can also occur.